Committee: meaning, definitions and examples
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committee
[kəˈmɪt.i ]
Definitions
in organizations
A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group.
Synonyms
board, commission, council, panel.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| committee |
A committee is typically used for a smaller group of people appointed for a specific task or to make decisions about certain issues within an organization or event. It's often temporary.
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| board |
A board is a group of individuals elected or appointed to oversee the activities of an organization, regularly making key decisions and setting policies. It's often used in the context of corporations or nonprofits.
|
| panel |
A panel is a group of experts or professionals who discuss, advise on, or judge a particular matter. This is commonly used in academic, professional, or media contexts.
|
| council |
A council is a group of people elected or appointed as an advisory or legislative body. This word is often used in the context of local government or certain organizations.
|
| commission |
A commission is a group of people officially charged with a particular function, often an investigation, policy study, or regulation. It's usually formed by a government or official body.
|
Examples of usage
- The committee meets every Thursday to discuss important matters.
- She was appointed to the budget committee last year.
- The committee decided to postpone the event due to bad weather.
- The committee members have different opinions on this issue.
- The committee is responsible for organizing the annual conference.
in government
A group of people appointed for a specific task or duty by a larger group, such as a legislative body.
Synonyms
board, commission, council, panel.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| committee |
Used for a group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group. It often handles a subset of organizational tasks or issues.
|
| commission |
Implies an official group assigned to a particular task by a government or other institution. It often deals with specific issues or investigations.
|
| council |
Typically denotes an assembly of people convened for advisory, deliberative, or legislative purposes, often within local government or organizations.
|
| panel |
Applies to a group of experts or specialists gathered to discuss or decide on a particular issue; often used in contexts such as interviews or evaluations.
|
| board |
Refers to a group of individuals, typically elected or appointed, who oversee the activities of an organization, such as a company or nonprofit.
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Examples of usage
- The committee is reviewing the proposed changes to the tax law.
- The committee submitted its report to the parliament.
- The committee recommended new regulations for environmental protection.
- The committee members have expertise in various fields.
- The committee holds public hearings to gather input from citizens.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'committee' comes from the Latin word 'committere,' meaning to bring together or entrust with a task.
- The term started being used in English in the late 15th century, reflecting the growing need for organized groups in government.
- Originally, committees were often formed to manage finances or administrative duties, highlighting their practical purpose.
Historical Context
- In ancient Greece, citizens were part of small groups that made decisions on local matters, similar to committees today.
- The committees of the French Revolution played a crucial role in shaping modern political organization.
- Many legislative bodies worldwide operate through committees to handle specific issues, such as finance or health.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often depict committee meetings as comedic scenes filled with different opinions, highlighting the challenges of group decision-making.
- The famous sitcom 'Parks and Recreation' showcases a unique committee dynamics through its quirky characters.
- Organizations like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences use committees to decide award nominees and winners.
Psychology
- Group dynamics in committees can lead to 'groupthink,' where members prioritize harmony over critical analysis.
- Diverse committees are typically more effective, as different backgrounds contribute varied perspectives and ideas.
- The 'wisdom of crowds' phenomenon suggests that collective decision-making in committees can produce better results than individual opinions.
Education
- In academic settings, committees often oversee curriculum development and ensure quality in educational programs.
- Student councils are a type of committee where students voice their ideas and concerns about school matters.
- Research committees are common in universities, tasked with evaluating grant applications and ethical considerations in studies.
Translations
Translations of the word "committee" in other languages:
🇵🇹 comitê
🇮🇳 समिति
🇩🇪 Ausschuss
🇮🇩 komite
🇺🇦 комітет
🇵🇱 komitet
🇯🇵 委員会
🇫🇷 comité
🇪🇸 comité
🇹🇷 komite
🇰🇷 위원회
🇸🇦 لجنة
🇨🇿 výbor
🇸🇰 výbor
🇨🇳 委员会
🇸🇮 komite
🇮🇸 nefnd
🇰🇿 комитет
🇬🇪 კომიტეტი
🇦🇿 komitə
🇲🇽 comité